New Record Reached For Early Voting But Doesn't Come Without Problems

WASHINGTON (WUSA) -- It used to be on Election Day, you'd stand shoulder to shoulder with members of your community in national show of democracy in action. This year, Election Day has become more like Election month.

Thirty million people have already headed to the polls and cast their ballots. This is a new record for early-voting and we have a decent idea which way the political winds are blowing.

The votes so far are giving a slight edge in the Presidential contest to President Barack Obama over challenger Mitt Romney. Keep in mind, these are thin results from early voting areas, including 34 states and the District of Columbia.

Party loyalists are the most likely to turn out early and this election will likely come down to independent voters. Also, some states have reported a heavy turnout of registered Democrats verses Republicans. This is still an incredibly close race.

There have also been plenty of problems with early voting this year. Hurricane Sandy forced last-minute scrambling across the East Coast. There are already concerns of ballots being destroyed or going missing. In Virginia, early voting was delayed and in Florida, voters waited in lines as long as 4 hours in the sun.